The Volkswagen Golf GTI is known around the world as the hot hatchback. It’s become loved for being a solid, fun, well-rounded car. Now in its eighth iteration since first going on sale fourty years ago, Volkswagen has taken its typical evolutionary approach to redesigning this classic name.
On the outside, you’d be forgiven for mistaking the Mk8 GTI for a facelifted Mk7. However, a lot of the lines are curvier, whether that’s to your taste or not. The whole exterior has been made sleeker and modernized while the overall shape remains very similar. The dimensions are almost exactly the same, with the biggest change actually being the loss of roughly an inch of height.
Offered in three trim levels as before (S, SE, and Autobahn), I took a look at the most basic GTI you can get, an S with the six-speed manual transmission. As equipped, the sole option is the Moonstone Grey paint for $395. With a starting price of over $30,000, the GTI is no longer as affordable as it once was, but remains an attractive value for what you get.
Many modern features are now standard across the range, including LED head- and taillights, parking sensors, a heated steering wheel, and a digital gauge cluster. Fully loaded, you can expect upgrades such as ventilated seats, heated rear seats, a heads-up display, and adaptive dampers, but such things bring the Autobahn model over $40,000.
Even on the S, the interior feels well put together and surprisingly upmarket, despite being filled with hard plastics and cloth seats. The steering wheel is chunky and wrapped in partially-perforated leather. The manual shifter features a rubberized golf ball texture which I love, and the seats retain the famous plaid design. Front seat comfort is excellent though not super customizable, and ambient lighting throughout is a nice touch.
One of the largest pain points agreed upon with the Mk8 GTI’s interior is the lack of physical controls for basic functions. As is the trend nowadays, the Mk8 loses most traditional buttons, with some odd exceptions. The larger 10-inch infotainment system on upper trims features a row of touch-sensitive climate buttons along the bottom, but lacks a traditional volume control. In the base S, I was surprised to find volume and tuner dials with the smaller 8-inch display, but VW decided to take away the climate controls! While gaining the preferred volume adjustment method, you’re simultaneously forced to use the screen for all temperature and heated seat adjustments.
As ever, the GTI is genuinely excellent to drive. The EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces plenty of power and torque (and is highly tune-able if you desire), and sounds rather good as well. The artificial sound generator is just as overdone as in the Mk7 GLI, but you can turn it off or completely disconnect it if you really can’t stand it. Equipping the DSG automatic transmission yields a full half-second drop in 0-60 time, though 6 seconds with the manual is still respectable.
Speaking of the manual gearbox, gear changes are crisp, but the clutch is rather light and engages way too high. It was difficult to get to grips with, even after multiple starts. Despite this, overall driving pleasure is still top-notch. Body control is excellent, and the electronic limited-slip differential eradicates an impressive amount of understeer. The ride is controlled but very stiff, though I suspect the Dynamic Chassis Control available higher up the range would help with that.
Overall, the GTI continues to be a well-rounded daily driver. Sure, cargo space and rear legroom are slightly compromised compared to the Taos small crossover, but the Golf is still plenty practical and fits four adults comfortably. Per the EPA, fuel economy is average, but I have personally achieved over 40 MPG highway in the Mk7, so I suspect the Mk8 is equally underrated.
These days, there’s really not much competition left for the GTI. Ford’s hatchbacks are gone from the US market, and every other performance rival is a sedan or crossover. If you can live with the awful infotainment, the GTI is an easy top pick. Just leave the temperature on the same setting forever — simple enough, right?
| Vehicle Tested | 2022 Volkswagen GTI S |
| Color | Moonstone Grey / Titan Black |
| Drivetrain | 2.0L turbocharged I-4, 6-speed manual, Front wheel drive |
| HP / Torque | 241 horsepower / 273 lb-ft |
| Curb Weight | 3,113 lbs (est.) |
| 0-60 mph | 6.1 seconds (est.) |
| EPA Fuel Econ | 24 city / 34 hwy / 28 combined |
| MSRP | $32,020 |
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